See you in class
Applications are open until Feb 15th for the Spring Cycle of Drag Class at BAX!
Come develop your drag persona, step into a more empowered gender expression and start performing in the drag scene amongst a supportive queer community through this 10-week workshop.
From March 5th to May 11th, join Theydy Bedbug with special guests Timothy Westbrook (as seen on Project Runway) and Miz Jade.
Drag Performance: Between and Beyond Gender…
is an in-person 10-12 week class at BAX | Brooklyn Arts Exchange which culminates in a performance showcase featuring 16 original performance pieces by emerging experimental drag artists who subvert both gender and genre.
This class focuses on developing drag characters that expand what it means to be a drag queen, king, thing, in between or beyond what has been seen. Through group games, writing prompts, discussion, and solo and collaborative movement exercises, participants give themselves permission to express the full range of who they are—and can be—while releasing narratives about how they “should” move, express, or dress based on inherited gender norms.
They experiment with the tools of pantomime, clowning, lip sync, caricature, structured improv and intuitive movement to build towards in-process drag performance acts. While this class is focused primarily on performance skills, they touch upon what goes into making a drag act including: makeup, costumes, creating a musical track, movement choreography and technical production choices.
GUest Facilitators
Each class cycle is facilitated by Theydy Bedbug and features special guests facilitators who vary in identity and expertise. Past special guests have included iconic drag performers Untitled Queen, Junior Mintt, The Maine Attraction, Miz Jade, The Cake Boys, Zenobia, and LOTUS BOY. They have taught workshops focused on a range of topics such as: choreography, producing, drag king makeup, act creation, persona development, burlesque and more.
Story
When Theydy began in the Brooklyn drag scene in 2016, they struggled to find community, especially as a nonbinary performer. They craved a noncompetitive space to learn, grow, and develop their craft amongst supportive peers outside of nightlife. 5 years later, this class, which was first launched virtually in early 2021 and is part of BAX’s Practice Lab, was born. Since then, the class has run 2-3 cycles per year both virtually and in-person.
Community
This class is for anyone looking to experiment with drag as a form of creative expression amongst a supportive class community. Some people who take this class have drag experience and use this space to craft a new act or learn more about their character. Others are dipping their toes in for the first time.
